New group set up to explore future of Bournemouth Air Festival
There's warnings the event won't go ahead in 2024 without new ways of funding it
A new group is being set up, involving councillors and businesses in Bournemouth, to explore alternative options for funding the Bournemouth Air Festival in future.
BCP Council says significant financial pressures have thrown the possibility of hosting the event in 2024 into doubt.
The authority says a £44 million shortfall in its budget for 2024/25 has left it needing to look at new ways of sustainably surviving the free event in future years.
Cllr Millie Earl, BCP Council's portfolio holder for connected communities and tourism, said:
"The festival has traditionally always been heavily subsidised by our residents, this year by around £400,000. A huge amount of officer time goes into organising the festival which is not included in that figure.
"In view of the financial pressures on the council and at a time when cost of living pressures continue to affect our everyday services and the budgets of our residents, it is right that we look at future options for the Bournemouth Air Festival, particularly how it could be sustainably funded.
"We know that hoteliers and hospitality businesses in Bournemouth consider BAF as a key component of their season and that many people enjoy attending but we must balance these needs with the costs that are borne by residents living across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole."
The task and finishing group aims to offer those closely involved with festival to share their views, including hoteliers, restauranteurs, event organisers and a range of other partners.
A formal public consultation won't be carried out, although residents are still being encouraged to come forward with their views.
Cllr Earl added that conversations with businesses would continue through this year's event, which runs from August 31st to September 3rd.
“As soon as practicable afterwards and to give the business community both certainty and plenty of time to plan for 24/25, we will announce what next year will look like.
“We want to continue to attract visitors and support businesses, we just need to do this in a financially and environmentally sustainable way that works for all. "
A recommendation is likely to go to BCP Council's cabinet in October.